Romans 12:17

Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
Romans 12:17

Inspirational Thought“Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves; ... for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him a drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good” . It is never best to draw off or to be hostile toward those who are suspicious and unjust toward you.

Everyone has his peculiar traits of character, and under various circumstances they will be exhibited. God requires His disciples to take up the cross and follow Christ. Jesus said, “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.”

This is in perfect accordance with the words which He spoke to Moses from the pillar of cloud. He said, “Ye shall be holy: for I the Lord your God am holy.” This injunction of God to the visible leader of the hosts of Israel was not spoken simply to a few responsible, distinguished officers and illustrious men, but to the whole host of Israel. We are to seek to carry out this command when in association with others, and especially in your association with those who oppose the counsel of God against themselves. They do not manifest the wisdom that is from above, which is first pure, then peaceable, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits. Each individual is a part of the great whole.

You are to watch and pray, and remember that no matter how others may treat you, they cannot compel you to harbor a wrong thought or to perform a wrong action. We are daily deciding our own destiny, making it evident to the angels of God whether we are to enjoy the society of the saints in light, or to have the gates of heaven closed against us. We are not to consider our reputation so much as the honor of the cause of truth. Our reputation is in God's hands. We are to manifest zeal for the cause of God.

Let those who are engaged in presenting truth, in vindicating truth, be careful what manner of spirit they manifest, either toward their brethren whom they think in error, or toward unbelievers. Through pride, self-esteem, egotism, and arrogance, men put on an armor and stand ready to do battle; but their words, their attitude, reveal the fact that Christ is not abiding in the soul.